3 Days in Toronto Itinerary: What to See and Do
Are you looking for the best Toronto itinerary? We’ve got you covered!
We recently visited Toronto and spent three days exploring the city. Lucky for us, we got to experience first hand many of the attractions it has to offer, from beautiful historic landmarks to visiting the iconic CN Tower. If you’re looking for a convenient 3-day itinerary for Toronto, then look no further. No matter what you’re looking for, Toronto will have something that will appeal to you! Families can enjoy trips to local museums and aquariums like Casa Loma or Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see if you plan to spend 3 days in Toronto. We have carefully crafted our itinerary to help maximize your time. Thank you to Destination Toronto for allowing us media entrance to some of the attractions.
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Day 1 of 3 Days in Toronto Itinerary: Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, BeaverTails
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Our first experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto was something we will never forget. We were mesmerized by the incredible array of sea life and vibrant colors all around us. From North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, the Ray Bay to the Planet Jellies and Canadian Waters galleries, every step of my journey through the aquarium was a fresh and new discovery. The highlight of our experience had to be when the Giant Pacific Octopus was hiding then began to crawl up the gallery glass! It was an amazing experience.
Go up the CN Tower
The CN Tower in Toronto is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any traveler. Standing 553 meters tall, it’s the world’s tallest free-standing structure. From the observation deck, you can take in incredible views of Toronto and Lake Ontario. Make sure to check out the glass floor to get a unique perspective from high above the city! The tower also has an EdgeWalk experience where you can take a leisurely stroll along the top of the tower – if you dare! Thrill seekers will love taking on this challenge with stunning and unforgettable views as a reward.
As we approached the base of the CN Tower, I felt both overwhelmed and nostalgic. I hadn’t visited this amazing structure since middle school, therefore it was exciting to share this experience with my daughter. Memories came flooding back as we headed towards the top. The view from up top is breathtaking, and seeing this iconic landmark through my child’s eyes makes it all the more special. Together, we created memories that we’ll both cherish for years to come.
⭐️ This bundle includes CN Tower and Boat Tour or Casa Loma ⭐️
The Rec Room for Food and Games
Fun, entertainment, and great food all in one place is what you’ll find at The Rec Room. If you’re looking for an upbeat atmosphere with vibrant energy, then look no further! The Rec Room offers endless fun with its large selection of classic arcade games, immersive virtual reality experiences, and live music. Plus, they have delicious food and drinks that will keep everyone happy.
We had a great dinner at The Rec Room. Our favorite part was the amazing food – the burger was one of the best we’d ever tasted and the poutine with handcut fries was delicious! Also, the very friendly service was refreshing. Located just across from Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and Rogers Centre, allows you to just walk over to the fun.
⭐️ Grab your tickets to Mystery & Magic Show at The Rec Room ⭐️
Take a Tour of Toronto Harbour
Looking for a unique way to explore, then Toronto Harbour Tour offers visitors a different way to see the city. With entertaining live narration, multiple departure times, and an opportunity to relax and sightsee at the same time, it is perfect for anyone looking for something new in Toronto. Enjoy wonderful views of the city skyline from the lake, and take a journey alongside majestic ships from different eras. Breathe in fresh air on this leisurely adventure as you cruise through some of Toronto’s famous harbours. Tours are seasonal, therefore only open May through October. Sadly we were there during April, so didn’t have the option.
⭐️ This BUNDLE will save on your Harbour Tour and CN Tower ⭐️
Get some BeaverTails
BeaverTails are the iconic Canadian pastry of choice for foodies, travelers, and families alike! A beloved classic snack that’s been around since 1978, these delicious treats have a whole range of incredible flavors from classic cinnamon sugar to decadent Nutella & banana. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to get a delicious sweet treat to satisfy your cravings – and make everyone smile! There’s a couple locations around Toronto. One food truck outside Ripley’s Aquarium and CN Tower, and another by the harbour. We had the Coco Vanil with a hot chocolate because it was cold during our visit to Toronto.
Day 2 of 3 Days in Toronto Itinerary: Casa Loma, Little Canada, Kensington Market
Explore the Toronto’s Castle: Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Canadian Heritage Landmark located in Toronto. It is an iconic and beautiful historic site that offers visitors a chance to explore the grounds from tower to basement, including its secret tunnels. While you’re there, you can also learn about Toronto’s dark history in a unique and educational way, making it truly one of a kind. If you’d like to follow along on the audio tour, then be sure to bring ear buds.
When we visited Casa Loma, we were blown away by the stunning views from atop the towers. We felt like royalty looking down on our kingdom! The interesting display of Canadian military history was particularly captivating. Additionally, it was one of the best historic home tours we’ve done. Every detail, including the grand staircase, were amazing and gave us a glimpse into what it must have been like when people actually lived there. We can definitely see why Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most beloved attractions!
See Miniature Canada at Little Canada
Little Canada is an attraction in Toronto that visitors looking for new things to do won’t want to miss. This miniature-scale replica of Canada was voted Ontario’s #1 attraction in 2022 and features incredible detailed work. Despite its small size, Little Canada surprised us in a big way, giving us the feeling of seeing so much of Canada in one place. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or are a local looking for something unique to do, Little Canada is sure to surprise and delight you.
My daughter and I had a wonderful experience at Little Canada during our visit. Josephine, in particular, enjoyed the interactive art exhibits we encountered. She loved talking to the artists and learning all about their process and inspirations. Which was exciting for her, as she’s also an artist. Both of us agreed we felt so inspired by our experience that we want to explore more of Canada! Watching my daughter walk through Little Canada was like a kid in. a candy store. For sure a highlight of the trip.
International Food Tour at Kensington Market
Kensington Market is one of the most unique and diverse food scenes in Toronto. It’s a great tour for any foodie traveler, as you can sample at least 6 international cuisines within a few hours. With the Kensington Market International Food Tour, you don’t have to worry about the long lines – they guarantee you get the best of this diverse food scene without waiting in line! Plus, their tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about giving you an amazing experience. A five star rating on the reviews, this is something I’d love to do next time.
See a Play, Show, or other Live Entertainment
Toronto’s theatre arts and entertainment scene is bustling with an array of choices for anyone planning a trip to the city. Not only can visitors take in some of Broadway’s best shows, but they can also check out live music concerts, dance performances, and comedy nights. No matter what kind of arts and entertainment you’re looking for, there are plenty of options in Toronto that will leave you feeling entertained. Plus, since Canada’s largest city has such a vibrant cultural life, you’ll never be at a loss when it comes to having fun!
Day 3 of 3 Days in Toronto Itinerary: Hockey Hall of Fame, St Lawrence Market, Distillery District
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is a must-see destination for all visitors to Canada’s largest city. It’s the home of ice hockey’s original Stanley Cup. Inside, visitors can explore memorabilia and artifacts from over 130 years of history, dating back to the beginnings of hockey in Canada. With interactive exhibits, engaging displays, historical artifacts and an impressive collection of Stanley Cup championship rings, the Hockey Hall of Fame offers something for all ages to explore and enjoy – whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or simply curious about sports history!
We got the chance to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada and it was an amazing experience. From the start, we were surprised by the sheer size of it – hockey fans will not be disappointed! The extensive exhibits provide an insight into every aspect of hockey, from its growth and development through the centuries to its current profile. We were especially impressed with the exhibit on women’s hockey and how far this sport has come over recent years. The marketing display was also very eye-catching, showcasing some iconic memorabilia that really highlighted how much hockey has infiltrated our culture. My comic art living daughter especially loved the marketing.
St Lawrence Market Food Market Tour
Pick up for St Lawrence Market Food Tour is right from Hockey Hall of Fame, therefore, it’s the perfect next thing to do. St Lawrence Market in Toronto has a lot to offer food lovers looking for unique and fun experiences. Canada is known for its delicious seasonal ingredients, so the market is the perfect place to explore what Canadians truly love to eat. With vendors from around the country offering their edible specialties, visitors can sample traditional and local food and drink that they may not be able to find anywhere else.
Distillery District Walking Tour
Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour is a great way to explore the beautiful Victorian Industrial architecture and learn about Toronto’s rich history. For visitors interested in history, this walking tour is perfect for uncovering some of the secrets that lay hidden in one of the world’s largest distillery. Not only will you get to see the amazing buildings built almost 200 years ago, but you’ll also learn about how it became the bustling district it is today. But it’s not all educational, you’ll also get to enjoy a fun-filled day out with plenty of photo opportunities. After your tour, enjoy all the shopping, dining, entertainment and more.
Best Time to Visit Toronto
Toronto is an amazing city to visit year round, but the summer months are especially great for outdoor activities. During the summer travelers can take advantage of the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. June through August offer the best weather and many outdoor activities like walking and boat tours that are perfect for sightseeing. The temperatures are warm but not overly hot, with generally low humidity, making for pleasant days.
Where to Stay in Toronto
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto stands as a beacon of luxury in the heart of Downtown Toronto. With its grand entrance, five-star service, and elegant interiors, this hotel provides a lavish experience for visitors of all ages. Enjoy a wide variety of amenities such as an indoor pool, spa services, and their signature restaurant TOCA.
The St. Regis Toronto is the perfect combination of modern elegance and classic refinement. This luxurious hotel offers world-class amenities such as an indoor pool and spa facilities to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable. Additionally, with its proximity to the city’s major attractions make it the ideal spot for any visitor looking to explore what vibrant downtown Toronto has to offer.
Park Hyatt Toronto offers a unique experience in downtown living with its contemporary design and lush landscaping. Located just steps away from many popular attractions, Park Hyatt Toronto is sure to please any guest looking to experience the city’s culture at its finest. Enjoy a wide variety of amenities such as an indoor pool and fitness center along with access to top-of-the-line dining experiences throughout the hotel.
Getting Around Toronto
The best way to get around is by using the various public transportation options available. Toronto’s Go Transit is an easy and convenient option if you are traveling across the city or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The subway system, which consists of three lines, can also help you get around easily. For short distances, you may even want to explore bike paths in the city. We stayed in Brampton, so one of the days we purchased the Go Transit group day pass for $30 and it was good for 24 hours. This pass allows you to ride any of their trains and buses.
⭐️ Discover Cars is a great option if you need to rent a car ⭐️
Is Toronto Worth Visiting?
Toronto is one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit, and it’s worth a trip for anyone planning a getaway. With its iconic CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and beautiful historic landmarks, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Cultural diversity makes Toronto a vibrant place – you can explore Chinatown or Little Italy for unique food and shopping experiences. For those seeking live entertainment, the city is full of bustling nightlife districts that offer comedy clubs and live music venues. With so much to see and do, Toronto is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience!
⭐️ Best Things to do in Toronto With Teens ⭐️
Final Thoughts: How many days in Toronto is enough?
While it’s possible to see some of Toronto’s highlights in just one or two days, we recommend spending at least three days in the city to fully experience all it has to offer. This will give you enough time to explore the downtown core, visit some of the city’s top attractions, and even venture out to some of the surrounding neighborhoods. Even though we spent 3 days in Toronto, we would love to go back and see so much more.
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What a fun girls trip to spend three days in Toronto! I’ve been there a few times for work but didn’t get to explore much of the area. This guide will be helpful when I return.
Toronto looks amazing! We will be in Canada in a few days, but not Toronto. It will be my family’s first time out of the country at all, so we are excited. Well, I went to Canada as a baby, but that doesn’t count. We will stay two nights at Niagara Falls. I’m going to be on the lookout for some Beaver Tails. And I hope we can continue to explore Canada in the future. Toronto looks like a blast!
We haven’t been to Toronto in many years. It looks like a great spot for a 3 day Toronto getaway.
This is a great itinerary for Toronto! I think I’d enjoy Little Canada a lot. And public transportation is always my favorite. I want to feel like a local! LOL
We have not visited Toronto yet. Looks like you had a great time with a lot of amazing experiences. I would love to see the octopus at the Ripley’s Aquarium.
My family recently did Toronto (without me, mind you) and loved it! They had about two days to spend, so didn’t get to do much. But they loved it and just seeing their photos makes me want to go! I think I’d specifically love the food tour.
This is a fantastic Toronto itinerary. We loved Beavertails, classic is the way to go!
Toronto looks like a wonderful place to visit and perfect for a long weekend getaway. The Ripley’s Aquarium and the Rec Room caught my eye. I love aquariums and my husband, and I love arcade games. My favorite aspect of any trip is the food, so I would have to indulge in a burger!
This would be the perfect three day itinerary for Toronto! I’d love to visit.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada looks and sounds like a lot of fun for the family! We have not explored Toronto, but this 3 day itinerary is amazing!